Pool

ABSTRACT

A birthing pool for holding water comprises a floor  2  having at least one inflatable chamber  20  and a perimeter wall  3  having at least one inflatable chamber ( 30   a, b, c ), wherein there is further provided a removable liner  5  arranged, in use, to line, or at least lie adjacent at least some of the internal surfaces of the pool  1.  The pool  1  may be ovoid in shape, it may have handles  4  for ease of use and may incorporate an integral step.

The present invention relates to a pool, specifically to an inflatablepool, and more specifically, although not exclusively, to an inflatablebirthing pool.

Water birthing has grown in popularity in recent years as the benefitsof the practice have become better understood. As the child is born, thetransition from the womb into a pool of warm water, which is a similarenvironment to the amniotic sac, is thought to be both gentler for thechild and less stressful for the woman thereby helping to reducecomplications. Other actual or perceived advantages include an increasein the buoyancy of the body, which allows free movement and improvesblood circulation, and improved relaxation and elasticity of theperineum which eases the birthing process.

Water birthing is generally conducted in hospitals, birth centres ormidwifery units, although home births are also growing in popularity.Hospitals and birth centres often have their own birthing pools, whichmay be rigid tubs or inflatable pools. Birthing pools may also bepurchased or hired for home births. The choice of rigid or inflatablepools is a matter of preference, since there are separate advantageswith each design approach.

Rigid tubs are often provided with heating units for maintaining watertemperature and/or pumping units for filling and emptying the tubs aswell. Some women prefer rigid tubs as they give the impression of beingmore secure and reliable than inflatable pools; they are oftenconsidered to be more sturdy with little risk of puncturing orfracturing the wall.

Inflatable birthing pools may be preferred over rigid tubs, especiallyfor home use, as they are more comfortable, easier to set up and moreeffective for maintaining water temperature as a result of theinsulating properties of the air. The first inflatable pools used forwater birthing were standard round inflatable paddling pools.

However, one concern with inflatable pools is the difficulty involvedwith cleaning areas which are difficult to access, such as between airchambers. Cleaning and/or disinfecting is essential to limit the risk ofinfection when the pool is hired or otherwise used multiple times.

Today, there are a number of inflatable pools specifically designed forwater birthing such as that disclosed in UK Registered Design No3019551. The design comprises an oval shaped perimeter and handles onthe inner surface for additional support.

It is an object of the invention to provide a pool having improvedperformance especially, although not exclusively, when used as abirthing pool.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatablebirthing pool which provides improved balance between privacy andconvenience.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatablebirthing pool which is comfy in use, when within and/or when exiting orentering the pool.

It is a yet further object of the current invention to provide a new andimproved birthing pool, taking into account the issues and concerns withthe prior art.

A pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, saidfloor comprising at least one inflatable chamber, said perimeter wallcomprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the poolfurther comprises a removable liner arranged, in use, to line or atleast lie adjacent at least some of the internal surfaces of the pool.

A second aspect of the invention provides a pool for holding watercomprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at leastone inflatable floor chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at leastone inflatable wall chamber, wherein the perimeter of the pool has oneline of symmetry or does not comprise two lines of symmetry.

A third aspect of the invention provides an inflatable birthing poolcomprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at leastone inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at leastone inflatable wall chamber, wherein the floor is a colour that allowsone to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in thepool.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holdingwater comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising atleast one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising atleast one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises atleast one handle on an outer surface of the perimeter wall.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an inflatable birthing poolcomprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at leastone inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at leastone inflatable wall chamber, wherein at least some of the inner wall ofthe perimeter wall is substantially transparent and at least some of theouter wall of the perimeter wall is opaque.

A further aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool forholding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floorcomprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wallcomprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the poolfurther comprises an integral step on the inside of the pool.

A further aspect of the invention provides a removable liner for aninflatable birthing pool arranged, in use, to line or at least lieadjacent the internal surfaces of the pool.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the pool of the invention in inflated condition

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the pool of FIG. 1 with the linerinstalled

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the pool of FIG. 1 without the liner

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the liner with a faded outline of thepool

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pool of FIGS. 1 and 2 in collapsedcondition in its carrier bag

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B there is shown an inflatable pool 1comprising a floor 2, a perimeter wall 3, two pairs of handles 4 and aremovable liner 5. The floor 2 and perimeter wall 3 are made of weldedpolyvinylchloride (PVC) sheet material made to EN71 standard up to 0.5mm, for example of 0.4 mm thickness. The removable liner 5 is made ofsubstantially transparent PVC sheet material to EN71 standard up to 0.3mm, for example of 0.20 mm thickness.

The floor 2 of the pool 1 is in the shape of an ovoid or egg in plan,wherein the radius of curvature at a first end 6 is larger than theradius of curvature at a facing or opposing end 7. The floor 2 comprisestwo opposed sheets of PVC material joined to provide a series of linearchambers 20 and provided with a self-closing air valve 21. The linearchambers 20 extend longitudinally along the major axis of the ovoid andare defined by seams or weld lines 22 between the two opposed sheets.Interruptions (not shown) in the weld lines 22 provide fluid connectionsbetween adjacent linear chambers 20, the purpose of which is explainedbelow. A marginal seam 23 is provided proximate the perimeter of theovoid to isolate the linear chambers 20.

The construction of the perimeter wall 3 can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B,wherein there comprises three wall chambers 30 a, 30 b and 30 c, threerespective self-closing valves 31 a, 31 b and 31 c and three respectivescrew valves 32 a, 32 b and 32 c. The wall chambers 30 a, 30 b and 30 care continuous rings which extend around the perimeter wall 3 andsucceeding chambers 30 a, 30 b and 30 c are located on top of oneanother. Each wall chamber 30 a, 30 b and 30 c has a substantiallyoblate cross section and adjacent chambers 30 a and 30 b or 30 b and 30c comprise a common wall made from a single sheet of material.

The successive chambers 30 a, b, c may present a substantially verticalwall, i.e. they may be mounted directly upon one another, or a taperedwall, i.e. successive chambers may be larger or smaller than precedingchambers, to a user located within the pool 1.

Of course, there may be more or less chambers 30 a, b, c . . . ,although a plurality is preferred for security reasons.

The self-closing valves 31 a, 31 b and 31 c are of the standard typeknown in the art for controlled inflation or deflation of air chambers.The screw valves 32 a, 32 b and 32 c are also of the standard type knownin the art for expeditious inflation or deflation. Each wall chamber 30a, 30 b or 30 c is in fluid isolation from adjacent wall chamber orchambers 30 a, 30 b or 30 c and is in fluid communication with oneself-closing valve 31 a, 31 b or 31 c and one screw valve 32 a, 32 b or32 c. One of each of the self-closing 31 a, 31 b or 31 c and screwvalves 32 a, 32 b or 32 c are positioned at equivalent locations on theside of their respective wall chamber 30 a, 30 b and 30 c.

The floor 2 is integral with the inside of the perimeter wall 3, whereina single continuous sheet is used for the bottom sheet of the bottomwall chamber 30 c and the bottom sheet of the floor 2. Consequently, theperimeter wall 3 and the floor 2 are integrally formed and define asealed enclosure or pool 1.

The floor 2 as seen from the inside of the pool 1 is of an opaque whitecolour, the purpose of which is described below. The remaining internalsurfaces are transparent colourless, while the external surfaces of thepool 1 are opaque, the purpose of which is also described below. Asshown in FIG. 2, the external surface of the perimeter wall 3 alsocomprises an image which extends around the entire perimeter.

The handles 4 are C-shaped with a straight cylindrical main portion forgripping, cylindrical extensions extending perpendicularly therefrom anda flat fixing portion for fixing the handle to the pool 1. The handles 4are made of semi-rigid moulded plastics material.

The handles 4 are fixed to the uppermost wall chamber 30 a on thesurface external to the pool 1 using adhesives, and preferablyreinforced bonding techniques known to the skilled addressee. Twohandles 4 are located at each end or part 6 and 7 of the ovoid shape,spaced apart by a requisite distance and orientated at opposing 30degree angles from the horizontal.

The removable liner 5 shown in FIG. 2C comprises a sheet of PVC materialwhich is shaped to extend over and/or next to the internal surfaces ofthe pool 1. The liner 5 comprises a base 51, a perimeter wall 52 and anextension portion 53. The base 51 of the liner 5 correlatessubstantially to the ovoid shaped floor 2 of the pool 1. The perimeterwall 52 of the liner 5 extends upward from the base 51 around itsperimeter. The extension portion 53 of the liner 5 comprises handleslots 50 formed proximate to a distal edge 54 of the liner 5. The handleslots 50 are rectangular in shape and are formed with their longitudinalaxis at an angle of approximately 30 degrees the adjacent distal edge 54of the liner 5.

The removable liner 5 is located inside the pool 1 with the extensionportion 53 extending over the uppermost wall chamber 30 a when the pool1 is in inflated condition. The handles 4 protrude through the handleslots 50 in the liner 5 such that they may be gripped by a user. Theextension portion 53 of the removable liner 5 is shaped and sized suchthat the edge 54 of the liner 5 is smaller than the outermost surface ofthe uppermost wall chamber 30 a in expanded condition and the rest ofthe extension portion 53 provides a taut fit with the rest of thechamber 30 a. This undersized edge 54 and/or taut fit, and/or theinterface between the handles 4 and the handle slots 50, provides meansfor preventing relative movement between the removable liner 5 and thepool 1.

The inflatable birthing pool 1 of the present invention is shown in FIG.3 in fully collapsed condition, folded and packed into a carrier bag 8.The carrier bag 8 is made of colourless transparent PVC sheet materialup to 0.5 mm, for example of 0.38 mm thickness. The carrier bag 8 isshaped and sized such that the collapsed birthing pool 1 may be easilyinserted.

In order to erect the pool 1, it is first removed from the carrier bag 8and unfolded. The floor 2 and the two lowermost wall chambers 30 b and30 c are first inflated. The floor 2 is inflated by introducingcompressed air into the linear chambers 20 through the self-closing airvalve 21. The air passing through the self-closing air valve 21 passesinto a first linear chamber 20 and into adjacent chambers through theaforementioned interruptions in the weld lines 22. This processcontinues such that the pressure is equalised in all the linear chambers20, thereby effecting inflation of the entire floor 2. The two lowermostwall chambers 30 b and 30 c are inflated by introducing compressed airtherein through either their respective self-closing valves 31 b and 31c or their respective screw valves 32 a, 32 b and 32 c. The choice ofvalve is a matter of preference and is dependant on the compressed airsource available.

The removable liner 5 is then inserted into the pool 1 and orientatedsuch that the handle slots 50 are aligned with the handles 4 and theextending portion of the liner 5 is placed over the deflated uppermostwall chamber 30 a. Excess air between the removable liner 5 and the pool1 can be removed by smoothing the liner 5 against the pool 1. The handleslots 50 are then passed over the handles 4 such that the handles 4protrude from the removable liner 5.

Finally, inflation of the uppermost wall chamber 30 a is effected in thesame way as previously described for the two lowermost wall chambers 30b and 30 c. It may be advantageous to use the self-closing valve 31 arather than the screw valve 32 a in order to ensure that inflation ofthe uppermost wall chamber 30 a is properly controlled.

During inflation of the uppermost wall chamber 30 a, the edge 54 of theliner 5 remains adjacent the join between wall chambers 30 a and 30 b aswall chamber 30 a bulges outward from the air pressure within. When thewall chamber 30 a is fully inflated, the undersized edge 54 of the liner5 will at least help to secure the liner 5 in place.

In order to dismantle pool 1, the process is performed in reverse. Theremovable liner 5 is then disposed of or cleaned thoroughly for furtheruse. It is envisaged that the removable liner 5 may be sold separatelyin order that the inflatable pool 1 may be used a plurality of times andby a plurality of users if required.

Prior to use, the pool 1 is filled with warm water (not shown), wherebythe liner 5 isolates the water from the floor 2 and perimeter wall 3. Itwill be appreciated that the liner also provides a barrier to reduce therisk of puncture of the pool, or any one or more chambers 20; 30 a, b,c.

In use, the woman enters the pool 1, preferably with the help of a step(not shown) and assumes a comfortable position within the pool 1. Asmentioned above, the position that the woman finds comfortable will bedependent on the individual.

Specifically, some women may prefer the support and privacy of beingmore confined, which can be achieved in the pool 1 of the presentinvention at or near the second part 7 of the ovoid. The smaller radiusof curvature gives the impression of a more confined space whichprovides greater support and more privacy.

In addition or contradistinctively, some women may prefer more freedomfor manoeuvring themselves into various requisite positions throughoutthe labouring process. This may be achieved in the pool 1 of the presentinvention at or near the first part 6 of the ovoid. The larger radius ofcurvature is less confined than the opposing side, providing ample spaceand consequently more manoeuvrability.

In both of the situations mentioned above, the geometry of the pool 1 issuch that there is provided plenty of access for the midwife, birthpartner or other helper on the opposing side of the pool 1. Users whohave used the pool 1 have reported these features as being extremelyuseful.

Additional support is provided by the pairs of handles 4 described aboveand located on the outside surface of the perimeter wall adjacent eachpart 6 and 7 of the ovoid. The handles 5 are angled to facilitategripping by the woman when positioned at the relevant end of the pool 1.The fixing of the handles 5 is well reinforced but provides someflexibility for comfort using materials and bonding means which areknown in the art. Of course, the handles 4 provide support whenentering, exiting or using the pool 1, as well as manoeuvring the pool 1when empty or, say, partially filled with water.

The use of opaque external surfaces of the perimeter wall 3 of the pool1 provides a visual separation from the surroundings of pool. This isparticularly helpful when the pool is placed in an open area, forexample in a hospital, in that it provides the woman with a more privateenvironment. The use of transparent internal surfaces in conjunctionwith the opaque surfaces provides an enhanced sense of spaciousnesswhilst privacy is maintained.

Furthermore, the use of a white interior floor may be particularlyhelpful in a birthing pool. It is known that some maternal blood losscan occur during birth. A solution of blood in water absorbs light atcertain frequencies. By providing a white, or other light colouredbackground, it is possible to observe the colouration of the water andthereby qualify and/or quantify the blood loss. Consequently, a whitefloor enables a midwife or other trained individual to determineempirically the extent of that blood loss.

It is hereby stated that, for the avoidance of doubt, the pool of thepresent invention is intended for various uses. For example, the poolmay be used at any point during labour, for example before, during orafter the birth of a child.

Further embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope ofthe invention. Namely, the pool may comprise an integral step on theinside and/or the outside of the perimeter wall 3. An inside step may besized and shaped to provide a seat on which either the woman or birthpartner can sit. Preferably, the step is collapsible by using, forexample, hinged plates or inflatable chambers or a combination thereof.The plates may be made from rigid plastics material and fixed to theperimeter wall 3 and/or the floor 2. It is envisaged that the rigidplates, if used, are adapted to unfold into alignment to provide a stepand/or seat which is structurally sound. Alternatively, the step maycomprise a removable step, wherein the pool 1 is adapted to locate thestep and maintain it in place, for example with flexible or rigid loopswelded to, or integrally formed, with the perimeter wall 3 and/or floor2. In other embodiments an inflatable step may be provided which may beseparately inflatable from the pool 1 or inflated with a wall or floorchamber. The step may be integral or separate.

Furthermore, the shape of the pool may comprise variations to the ovoidwhich provide a plurality of variations in radii of curvature withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. For example, the perimeter ofthe pool may comprise a clover leaf shape with each leaf being of adifferent shape to provide intermediate degrees of confinement for thewoman.

The linear chambers 20 need not extend parallel to the principal axis ofthe ovoid and they may be inclined, they may be linear or non-linear.The wall chambers 30 a, 30 b and 30 c may be vertical, non-vertical,linear or non-linear. The chambers 20, 30 a, 30 b and 30 c may beindividually formed using individual sheets which are then welded orbonded together. Alternatively, they may be formed in any other waywhich provides inflatable chambers such as blow moulding.

Variations to presence and/or the design of valves and/or handles arealso envisaged. For example, the pool may comprise only a self-closingor screw valves or any other means of inflating and deflating the pool.Valve handles may be formed from PVC sheet material, either rolled intoa cylindrical shape and welded for gripping or simply as flat members.It will be appreciated that more or fewer handles 4 may be provided, forexample three pairs or four pairs.

Moreover, the pool need not comprise a removable, liner or the liner maybe of a different design to that disclosed above. In particular, it isenvisaged that the edge of the liner is elasticated in some embodimentsrather than, or in addition to, the edge being undersized. The liner maybe integrally formed with the perimeter wall 3 and/or the floor 2.

The pool may have various designs and/or patterns on the outsideperimeter wall.

Any or all of the above features or any features found in the drawingsand not specifically described above may be present in isolation or inany or all combinations thereof in a pool of the invention.

1-42. (canceled)
 43. A birthing pool comprising a floor and a perimeterwall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable chamber, saidperimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, whereinthe pool further comprises a removable liner arranged, in use, to lineor at least lie adjacent at least some of the internal surfaces of thepool.
 44. A pool as claimed in claim 43, wherein the removable liner issecured relative to the pool by an interference fit.
 45. A pool asclaimed in claim 44, wherein the interference fit is provided by anundersized and/or elasticated edge of the removable liner.
 46. A pool asclaimed in claim 44, wherein the removable liner is sized and shaped toprovide a fit with at least a portion of the uppermost part of theperimeter wall.
 47. A pool as claimed in claim 43, further comprising atleast one handle, wherein the liner comprises at least one handle slotand the at least one handle is protrudable, in use, through the at leastone handle slot.
 48. A pool as claimed in claim 47, wherein the at leastone handle is fixed to an outer surface of the perimeter wall.
 49. Apool as claimed in claim 47, wherein the at least one handle is fixed toor proximate the top of the perimeter wall.
 50. A pool as claimed inclaim 43, wherein the perimeter describes an ovoid shape.
 51. A pool asclaimed in claim 43, wherein the perimeter wall comprises at least twoindependently inflatable wall chambers.
 52. A pool as claimed in claim51, wherein the at least two independently inflatable wall chamberscomprise rings of ovoid perimeter located on top of one another andjoined together.
 53. A pool as claimed in claim 43, wherein at leastsome of the inner wall of the perimeter wall is substantiallytransparent and at least some of the outer wall of the perimeter wall isopaque.
 54. A pool as claimed in claim 43, further comprising anintegral step.
 55. A pool as claimed in claim 54, wherein the step is onthe inside of the pool.
 56. A birthing pool comprising a floor and aperimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floorchamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wallchamber, wherein the pool further comprises at least one handle on anouter surface of the perimeter wall.
 57. A pool as claimed in claim 56,wherein the at least one handle is fixed to or proximate the top of theperimeter wall.
 58. A pool as claimed in claim 56, further comprising aremovable liner arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent theinternal surfaces of the pool.
 59. A pool as claimed in claim 58,wherein the liner comprises at least one handle slot and, in use, the atleast one handle protrudes through the at least one handle slot.
 60. Abirthing pool comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floorcomprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wallcomprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the poolfurther comprises an integral step on the inside of the pool.
 61. A poolas claimed in claim 60, further comprising at least one handle.
 62. poolas claimed in claim 61, wherein the at least one handle is fixed to anouter surface of the perimeter wall.
 63. A removable liner for abirthing pool.
 64. A removable liner as claimed in claim 63, wherein theliner comprises a substantially ovoid base, a perimeter wall upstandingfrom the base around its perimeter, and a portion which is sized to beextendable, in use, over an edge of the pool.
 65. A removable liner asclaimed in claim 63, further comprising an undersized and/or elasticatedterminal edge for securing, in use, the liner to the pool.
 66. Aremovable liner as claimed in claim 63, further comprising handle slots.67. A removable liner as claimed in claim 66, wherein the handle slotsare formed proximate to the terminal edge thereof.